Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX vs Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex
Both are GORE-TEX Salomon trail shoes with an 11 mm drop and All Terrain Contagrip, so the choice comes down to use. The XA Pro 3D v9 GTX is the tougher, more protective pick for rocky, technical trails and mixed terrain, and it is lighter at 315 g. The X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex is the more agile hiking shoe, with a Matryx upper and advancedCHASSIS for lateral support on climbs and descents. The latest prices are close: $170.00 at REI for the XA Pro 3D v9 GTX as of November 4, 2026, and $174.95 at Backcountry.com for the X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex as of November 4, 2026.
Today the Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX costs $4.95 less at its best price.
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Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX
4.8Choose the XA Pro 3D v9 GTX if you run technical, rocky trails 2-3 times a week and want maximum foot protection and a proven, durable build.
- Light at 315 g for a protective GORE-TEX trail shoe
- High foot protection suits sharp, rocky ground
- 3.5 mm lugs and All Terrain Contagrip for mixed terrain
- Long-running, well-known design with a stable 11 mm drop
- $4.95 cheaper at the latest listed price
What separates them
| Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX | Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex | |
|---|---|---|
| Intended use | Trail running on technical, rocky and mixed terrain | Hiking and fast trail days |
| Weight per unit | 315 g (13 oz) | 380 g |
| Foot protection | High, with a reinforced, tough upper | High, with advancedCHASSIS insert |
| Lug depth | 3.5 mm | Not stated |
| Upper | Synthetic and textile | Matryx with Kevlar and technical yarn |
| Lacing | Quicklace-style speed lacing | quickLACE system |
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX membrane | GORE-TEX PFC-free membrane |
| Price | $170.00 at REI as of November 4, 2026 |
Price history
- Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX: lowest $170.00 on Nov 4 at REI.
- Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex: lowest $169.95 on Nov 4 at Dave's New York.
Prices at every store
Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX
- Vertical RunnerNew
In stockReturn policy
$170.00Observed at 7:43 AM - REINew
In stock
$170.00Free shippingObserved at 6:44 AM - Zappos.comNew
In stock
$170.00Free shippingObserved at 6:44 AM - 88 GearNew
In stockReturn policy
$170.00Observed at 6:44 AM
Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex
- Backcountry.comNew
In stock
$174.95Free shippingObserved at 6:45 AM - REINew
In stock
$175.00Free shippingObserved at 6:45 AM - Zappos.comNew
In stock
$175.00Free shippingObserved at 6:45 AM - Dave's New YorkNew
In stock
$169.95+ $6.99 shippingObserved at 6:45 AM
Specs compared
| Spec | Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX | Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex |
|---|---|---|
| Weight per unit | 13 oz | 380 g |
| Drop Value | 11 mm | 11 mm |
| Width | Regular | Regular |
| Membrane | GORE-TEX | GORE-TEX |
| Outsole | Rubber | Rubber |
| Upper | Synthetic / Textile | Synthetic / Textile |
| Inlay Sole | Textile | Textile /Synthetic |
| Lug Depth | 3.5 mm | — |
| Lining | Textile | — |
| Weight | 315 g | — |
| Foot Protection |
What reviewers say
Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX
Owners rate it highly, 4.8 out of 5 from 48 ratings, and treat it as a durable, dependable trail shoe. Most praise the stability and waterproofing; the common complaint is weight and stiffness.
- Very stable on rocky, uneven trails
- GORE-TEX keeps feet dry
- Durable upper and outsole
- Protective toe cap and high foot protection
- Heavy for running
- Stiff and firm underfoot
- Runs warm in summer
Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex
The X Ultra line is well regarded as a light, grippy hiking shoe, and owners of the fifth generation report secure footing on wet rock and mud. Common complaints center on a snug fit and warmth in hot weather.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for technical trail running?
- The XA Pro 3D v9 GTX. It is built for technical, rocky trails, weighs 315 g and has 3.5 mm lugs with high foot protection. The X Ultra 5 is aimed more at hiking.
- Which is better for hiking?
- The X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex. Its advancedCHASSIS adds lateral support for climbs and descents, and the Matryx upper is abrasion-resistant and breathable.
- Which is lighter?
- The XA Pro 3D v9 GTX at 315 g per unit. The X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex is 380 g.
- Is the X Ultra 5 worth the extra $4.95?
- Only if you hike more than you run. The price gap is small, so pick by use: the XA Pro for technical trails, the X Ultra for hiking support.
- Do both have GORE-TEX?
- Yes. Both use a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane; the X Ultra 5's is listed as PFC-free.
- Which lasts longer?
- Both are built for durability. The XA Pro 3D v9 GTX is described as super tough with a protective upper, while the X Ultra 5 uses abrasion-resistant Matryx with Kevlar.
